As a publicly funded, non-profit organization, Legal Aid Alberta provides affordable legal services in family law, domestic violence, child welfare, immigration, and youth and adult criminal defense. We are Alberta-wide, with 300 staff and 1,200 private practice lawyers helping people overcome their legal challenges in more than 75 communities across the province.
Who You Are
Working at Legal Aid Alberta means you care about people and empathize with their situation. You have excellent communication skills especially in tough situations. You are an expert in Family law specially in area of Child Welfare and the representation of Children in high conflict family law matters. You are also familiar with Emergency Protection Orders and general Family Law matters. You are a quick thinker, able to provide sound advice and thrive in a fast-paced work environment. You have strong communication and interpersonal skills as well as enjoy learning new things and can adapt to change quickly. You care deeply about the success of our team and have solid understanding of our organization’s mission and values.
Job Description
Reporting to the Legal Services Manager, some of the key responsibilities include:
Manage family law files
Carry end to end responsibilities of managing files under Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act from initial custody through to the conclusion of trials or until an outcome is determined
Expertise in Family Law Act matters and Divorce Act matters including representation of Children in high conflict Family law matters
Support other areas of the team including Emergency Protection Orders and other areas
Able to manage high conflict situations
Negotiate competent resolutions of files to achieve early, cost effective and lasting outcomes for clients
Complete and accurate statistical record keeping
Compliance with office policy and procedures
Participate in performance and staff meetings as required
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Law degree from a recognized law school.
Active member of the Law Society of Alberta.
Minimum 5 years of experience practicing Family Law, specifically in practice area of Child Welfare and representation of Children in high conflict Family law matters.
Strong litigation experience.
Knowledge and Skills:
Rules of Court, and Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act, Protection Against Family Violence Act, Family Law Act, Family Property Act and Divorce Act
Alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and negotiation skills
Legal research, writing and drafting, legal analysis, preparation of facts and written briefs, application of law to relevant facts
Advocacy, problem solving and conflict resolution
Demonstrated time management and ability to deal with conflicting priorities and deadlines.
Ability to manage work in high pressure and high conflict situations
Ability to investigate facts, identify issues, ascertain organizational objectives, consider alternative solutions, analyze risk and advise clients and/or LAA on the appropriate course of action
Understanding of community resources available to assist complex situations
What We Offer
Perks of working with us
Competitive wage
RRSP with 8% employer contribution
Health and dental benefits
Health and wellness accounts
Employee assistance program
Holiday closure (paid time off)
How To Apply
Please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Reference competition number [LAA-21-63]. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Legal Aid Alberta has implemented a COVID 19-Vaccination Policy, requiring employees provide proof of vaccination, OR negative results of a privately administered, Health Canada approved rapid antigen, rapid PCR, or lab-based PCR test performed within the preceding 48 hours of attending the office or workplace. This policy will be reviewed monthly and revised or repealed as the COVID-19 situation in Alberta changes.
Successful candidate will be required to provide an acceptable criminal record check.
